In August 1978, she set the new world record with 2.01 m inBrescia (this jump stood as a national record untilAntonietta Di Martino jumped 2.02 in June 2007). Later in the same month she equalled it atPrague while winning the European title. In 1980, Simeoni set a newOlympic record of 1.97 m, when winning gold inMoscow.[1] Simeoni was the only woman athlete not from a Communist country able to win an athletics gold medal in Moscow.
Simeoni struggled to regain her form in the following years, with a series oftendon injuries. At1984 Olympics, Simeoni carried the Italian flag at the opening ceremony inLos Angeles. Here, she cemented her reputation as one of the greatest female high jumpers ever, in a thrilling duel with West GermanUlrike Meyfarth. Simeoni managed to reach the 2 meters measure for the first time since 1978. Meyfarth, however, replied with a notable 2.02 m jump, and Simeoni won a silver medal.
Simeoni's other titles include twobronze medals at theEuropean Championships and 25 national titles. Her jump of 2.01 m was the Italian record for women for 29 years. On 8 June 2007, Antonietta Di Martino jumped 2.02 m, establishing the new Italian record for women.
Sara Simeoni is widely considered one of the best Italian female athletes ever. She is married to her coachErminio Azzaro.[1] Their son Roberto Azzaro is also a high jumper.[2]
